A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck just off the coast of Vanuatu on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction in the South Pacific island nation. Reports of casualties emerged as the injured were taken to hospitals. A tsunami warning was issued but later lifted. Communication lines were down, making it challenging to obtain official information. Witness accounts of casualties began to circulate on social media.
The earthquake occurred just before 1 p.m. at a depth of 57 kilometers, centered 30 kilometers west of Port Vila, the largest city in Vanuatu. A magnitude 5.5 aftershock followed, with tremors continuing throughout the day. The extent of the damage was not immediately clear due to communication outages. Residents were advised to stay away from coastlines until monitoring systems were operational again.
Journalist Dan McGarry reported one death outside Vila Central Hospital. Doctors were working to treat the injured at a triage center. Videos and photos on social media showed damaged buildings, including a collapsed structure in Port Vila. A building housing diplomatic missions was also significantly damaged, but embassy staff were reported safe.
The U.S. Embassy in Vanuatu announced the safety of its staff, while Australia’s foreign ministry confirmed the safety of its workers. Damage included buckled windows, debris, and landslides blocking roads. Efforts to rescue trapped individuals were hindered by the lack of specialized equipment. The situation remained dire as more information on casualties was anticipated.
“Katie Greenwood, the head of the Asia-Pacific regional office for the Red Cross based in Fiji, informed the Australian Broadcasting Corp that the situation in Port Vila was rough at some point. She mentioned that all flights were grounded, and a massive landslide at the international shipping terminal could hinder the country’s recovery. Additionally, the airport’s runway sustained damage as well.
As of Tuesday, attempts to reach Port Vila’s airport were unsuccessful. Flight tracking sites indicated that all flights were grounded. Airlines in both Australia and the Pacific region announced the cancellation or temporary pause of scheduled flights for Wednesday, awaiting updates on the airport’s operational status.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong assured reporters that her country was prepared to offer any necessary assistance. New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed deep concern regarding the situation in Vanuatu, as 45 New Zealanders were identified as being present in the affected area.
Vanuatu has witnessed frequent changes in leadership, with four prime ministers in four years. The country is set to hold a snap election in January, following Prime Minister Charlot Salwai’s request to dissolve Parliament to avoid facing a potential no-confidence vote, a situation faced by his predecessors. Despite the political instability, Vanuatu has a history of enduring natural disasters, including cyclones and volcanic eruptions. The country’s location on a subduction zone, where the Indo-Australia tectonic plate slides beneath the Pacific Plate, results in regular seismic activity, often exceeding magnitude 6. Consequently, Vanuatu’s infrastructure is designed to withstand the impact of earthquakes.
In times of crisis, solidarity and assistance from neighboring nations play a crucial role. The Australian government, under the leadership of Foreign Minister Wong, has pledged support to Vanuatu. Similarly, New Zealand’s government, led by Foreign Minister Peters, is closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to providing aid as needed.
The resilience of the people of Vanuatu in the face of natural calamities reflects their strength and determination. Despite the challenges posed by ongoing political turmoil and environmental hazards, the spirit of unity and preparedness prevails among the citizens of Vanuatu, ensuring that they can weather any storm that comes their way.”
